LOS ANGELES (AP) -The Boston Celtics don’t have Pau Gasol to kick around anymore, and it’s giving the Los Angeles Lakers an advantage in the NBA finals.
The Lakers’ 7-foot Spaniard showcased his evolving toughness with every rebound and big defensive play in the Lakers’ 102-89 victory in Thursday’s opener. The Celtics returned to practice Friday determined to match the physical effort led by Gasol and Kobe Bryant.
Gasol had 23 points and 14 rebounds in Game 1 while winning his battle with Kevin Garnett, who dominated the matchup in the clubs’ 2008 finals meeting.
Gasol has faced Garnett regularly for a decade, and he says they’ve both lost some offensive explosiveness. But Gasol says he’s stronger now, and Garnett has evolved into a dangerous jump-shooter.
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